Cougars Cruise to First Big 12 Road Victory

Saturday, March 16

Ames, IA

Noon

University of Houston

18-9, 2-4

Iowa State

11-15, 2-4

Houston

Iowa State

3/16/2024 2:21:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

Houston plates nine in opening frame to run-rule Iowa State in series finale

AMES, Iowa – The -/rv University of Houston Softball team sent 13 batters to the plate, scoring nine runs in the first inning en route to a 10-2, five-inning, run-rule victory in its Big 12 Conference series finale at Iowa State on Saturday afternoon inside the Cyclone Sports Complex.

The win was Houston's first on the road in Big 12 play. The Cougars (18-9, 2-4 Big 12) scored six runs with two outs in the first highlighted by a grand slam from junior Lair Beautae who cleared the center field fence for her sixth long ball of the season. The result marked the 10^th time this season Houston has scored in double digits. Seven different Cougars registered a hit.

After Iowa State (11-15, 2-4 Big 12) plated nine runs in each game of Friday's doubleheader, Houston redshirt sophomore Paris Lehman (5-2) kept the Cyclones in check. The Tupelo, Miss., native scattered three hits and allowed two runs in 5.0 innings including limiting Iowa State to 1 for 8 (.125) with runners aboard and 0 for 6 (.000) with two outs.

Player Highlights

Lair Beautae: 2-2, 2 R, 4 RBI, 1 GS, 2 BB
Turiya Coleman: 1-2, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 BB
Kennedy Thomas: 1-3, 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB
Shelby Smith: 2-3, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 HBP
Paris Lehman: 5.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

Game Highlights

Houston's nine-run first inning proved the difference in Saturday's matinee.
The Cougars batted .391 (9 of 23) as a team including .500 (4 of 8) with two outs.
Houston capitalized in timely situations, hitting .545 (6 of 11) with runners in scoring position and .500 (6 of 12) with runners aboard.

Key Innings
1st | The Cougars needed five hits to produce nine runs in the opening frame. Houston collected six two-out RBIs with Beautae providing the major damage. Graduate Jazmyn Rollin, graduate Shelby Smith, sophomore Mandy Esman, graduate Paige Hulsey, graduate Kennedy Thomas and Beautae all registered RBIs in the inning. After Iowa State grabbed one run back in the home half, Hulsey provided an inning-ending diving catch with runners on the corners.

2nd | The home run barrage continued in the second inning as junior Turiya Coleman swatted the second pitch of the inning for a leadoff solo home run. The long ball was her sixth of the season and third in the last seven matchups. For a second straight inning, the Cougars showed off the leather as a Thomas diving grab in left field saved two runs.

5th | Needing a shutdown frame to close out the run-rule victory, Lehman retired to Cyclones in order, closing Houston's inaugural Big 12 road win with a punchout looking.

UP NEXT
The Cougars close their four-game road trip with a visit to Stephen F. Austin. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m., Tuesday, in Nacogdoches, Texas. The matchup can be seen on ESPN+. Houston resumes Big 12 play at 6 p.m., Friday, when it opens a three-game series against Kansas inside Cougar Softball Stadium. Saturday's middle game begins at 2 p.m. and Sunday's finale starts at Noon.

BUY TICKETS
Tickets for the 2024 softball season are available now. This year's home slate features 30 games, including five Big 12 Conference series. Season tickets cost $120, or just $4 per game, and include all neutral site games at Cougar Softball Stadium. Click here to ensure you don't miss any of the action during the Cougars' inaugural season in the Big 12 Conference!

SUPPORT YOUR COOGS 
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Softball by supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective – and by joining the Diamond Club which provides financial support directly to Houston Softball for needs beyond its operating budget.

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